Let’s be real when you hear the words Gooey Chocolate Chip Donut Panini, you’re probably thinking, “Wait… what?” But trust me, this isn’t just a sugar bomb or some weird mashup. It’s a genius-level dessert sandwich that takes everything you love about chocolate chip donuts and gives them a crispy, melty, golden-grilled upgrade. Imagine the outside of your donut lightly toasted while the inside turns into warm, chocolatey bliss. Oh yes it’s happening.
If you’ve ever wanted to turn your favorite donut into a grilled dessert masterpiece, this is your moment.
What Is a Donut Panini?
A donut panini is exactly what it sounds like a donut sandwich pressed in a panini maker (or a skillet if that’s all you’ve got). The outside gets golden and crisp, the inside melts, and all the chocolate gets gooey like lava. It’s kind of like a grilled cheese, but with dessert vibes and chocolate instead of cheddar.
How This Recipe Was Born (and Why You’ll Love It)
This all started one morning when I had leftover donuts and zero motivation to make breakfast. So I did what any dessert-loving home cook would do sliced one open, stuffed it with more chocolate chips, and pressed it like a grilled sandwich. And boom the Gooey Chocolate Chip Donut Panini was born. It’s the kind of recipe that takes 10 minutes, zero stress, and makes everyone at the table smile.
Why You’ll Love This Gooey Chocolate Chip Donut Panini
- Fast. Like, under-15-minutes fast.
- Minimal mess. One pan. One plate. Done.
- Customizable. Add Nutella, peanut butter, banana go wild.
- Kid-approved and parent-approved (because chocolate).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few ingredients to turn a simple donut into a next-level dessert sandwich.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chocolate chip donuts | 2 (preferably day-old) |
| Mini chocolate chips | 1/4 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Powdered sugar | Optional, for dusting |
| Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream | Optional, to serve |
Tools and Equipment
You don’t need fancy stuff. Here’s what’ll make life easier:
- Panini press (or a regular non-stick skillet)
- Spatula
- Sharp knife
- Small bowl for chocolate chips
How to Make the Perfect Donut Panini
- Slice the donuts. Cut each donut in half horizontally, just like you’d slice a bagel.
- Fill it. Sprinkle a generous amount of mini chocolate chips onto the bottom half of each donut.
- Close and butter it. Add the top half, then butter the outsides (top and bottom) of the donut sandwich.
- Grill it. Place it in a heated panini press or skillet. Press until golden brown and the chocolate is fully melted inside (2–3 minutes each side).
- Finish and serve. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you’re feeling extra.
Make It Perfect Every Time
The secret is to keep the heat at medium. Donuts have sugar in them, so they can burn if your heat is too high. Also, don’t overstuff with chocolate just enough to melt, not enough to spill out everywhere. (Unless you like that. No judgment.)
Use day-old donuts they’re sturdier and toast better than fresh ones.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Too much filling? Go easy on the chocolate chips. Overflow = mess.
- Using soft fresh donuts? They’ll get mushy. Use slightly stale ones for better structure.
- Pressing too hard? Light pressure is best. You’re not squashing a grilled cheese here.
Fun Variations to Try
Okay, you’ve nailed the classic. Now it’s time to have fun:
- Nutella + banana – It’s like a crepe inside a donut. Wild, right?
- Peanut butter & chocolate – Reese’s lovers, this one’s for you.
- Salted caramel drizzle – Over the top in the best way.
- White chocolate + strawberries – Think Valentine’s Day in sandwich form.
More Gooey Dessert Ideas
If this panini blew your mind (or your taste buds), check out these other gooey delights on the blog:
- Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars – the perfect chewy companion to this donut sandwich.
- Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches – a crispy, creamy dessert dream.
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes – because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate chip.
- Creamy Cool Whip Pie – for when you need something soft, cold, and sweet.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Sugar | 29g |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
Can You Make It Ahead of Time?
Honestly, this Gooey Chocolate Chip Donut Panini is best when it’s hot and fresh off the press. That crispy donut crust, that molten center it just hits different when it’s warm. But hey, if you’re prepping ahead for a brunch party or a snack attack later, there’s a way to make it work.
Make the panini, cool it slightly, wrap it in foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for 3–5 minutes to bring back the magic.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers don’t happen often with this one (it’s that good), but if you do have some, wrap them tightly in foil or an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for a day or two.
To reheat: Skip the microwave. It’ll make the donut soggy. Instead, pop it in a toaster oven or a pan on medium-low heat. Press it again for that crispy outside. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be rich, gooey, and delightful.
Perfect Pairings
This isn’t your average breakfast so why serve it with average drinks? Here are some fun pairing ideas:
- Iced Coffee: The cool bitterness of a refreshing iced coffee cuts through the sweet richness.
- Hot Cocoa: Double down on the chocolate if you’re in a real treat-yourself mood.
- Strawberry Milk: Yes, really. The fruity vibe balances everything.
- Fruit Salad: Want a healthy touch? Pair with some chopped berries and bananas.
FAQs for Gooey Chocolate Chip Donut Panini
Can I use different types of donuts?
Totally! Glazed, maple, cinnamon, even filled donuts can all work. Just slice and stuff — but be warned, powdered donuts can get messy fast.
What chocolate is best for melting?
Mini chocolate chips melt quickly and evenly. But you can also use chunks of milk, dark, or white chocolate for variety.
Can I add toppings?
Yes! Try crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce from this pecan brownie recipe. ✨
Can I make it vegan?
Use a vegan donut, dairy-free chocolate chips, and plant-based butter. It’s still gooey and totally satisfying.
How do I avoid a sticky mess?
Use parchment paper to line your press or skillet, and don’t overfill. Wipe between batches if needed.
Explore More Sweet Cravings
Before you go, here are a few more treats from the blog you might love:
- Gooey Banana Chocolate Bars – chewy, chocolatey, and banana-packed perfection.
- Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches – your next sandwich crush.
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes – for those “I need something rich” days.
- Creamy Cool Whip Pie – easy, creamy, and party-ready.
Ready to Try It?
If you’re still reading, that’s your sign. Grab some donuts, raid your pantry for chocolate chips, and turn your kitchen into a dessert lab. This isn’t just a recipe it’s a chocolate chip experience, and now you’ve got the tools to master it.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Gooey Chocolate Chip Donut Panini
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Gooey Chocolate Chip Donut Panini is a quick and melty dessert sandwich made with chocolate chip donuts, butter, and mini chocolate chips.
Ingredients
2 chocolate chip donuts
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Slice each donut horizontally like a bagel.
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly on the bottom halves of the donuts.
Place the top halves back on to make a sandwich.
Spread butter on the outsides of each donut sandwich.
Place the sandwiches in a preheated panini press or skillet.
Grill for 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and chocolate is melted.
Remove and dust with powdered sugar if using.
Serve immediately with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Use day-old donuts for better texture and structure.
A skillet works great if you don’t have a panini press press with a spatula or heavy pan.
Mini chips melt evenly, but chocolate chunks give a richer center.
Avoid overfilling with chocolate to prevent leakage during grilling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilled / Pressed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panini
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg